Leonardo da Vinci in France
To evoke Leonardo da VinciHe was an Italian genius, the creator of the Mona Lisa and a visionary inventor. His last years, however, were spent in France, at the invitation of Francis I. At the age of 64, he left Italy for Amboise in the Loire Valley, where he spent his last three years. This stay, though less influential on his work, left its mark on French cultural history.
Find out more about the Mona Lisa painting in the Louvre, read our detailed article here.
The Château du Clos Lucé, near the royal château of Amboise, was his haven, enabling him to continue his research and creations with the support of François I. This period, often seen as a "golden exile", was rich in activity, although it differed from his Italian years. This article explores Leonardo da Vinci's last years in France, his influence on the court of Francis I and his legacy in the region.
Find out more about Château du Clos-Lucé in Amboise, read our detailed article here.
The last few years in France
Arrival at Le Clos Lucé
In autumn 1516, at the age of 64, Leonardo da Vinci took up residence at the Château du Clos Lucé, Amboise, at the invitation of François I. Although modest in scale, it provided a suitable setting for him to live and work for the last three years of his life. Acquired by Charles VIII in 1490, the Clos Lucé, a former royal residence, provided Leonardo with an ideal environment in which to pursue his research and artistic endeavors.
Contributions to the Court of François I
At the court of Francis I, Leonardo da Vinci was appointed "First Painter, Engineer and Architect". Although his involvement in organizing court festivities and designing architectural projects, such as a château in Romorantin, is poorly documented, his influence is undeniable. He was particularly noted for his ability to organize royal festivities, design innovative theatrical mechanisms and create captivating special effects for the court and its guests.
Works from this period
During his stay at Le Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci worked constantly on various projects. He refined the composition of his paintings, a notable example being *Sainte Anne*. He also worked on plans for an ideal château, whose double-revolution staircase is said to have inspired that of the Château de Chambord. Despite his age, Leonardo remained very active, devoting himself to anatomy, hydraulics and botany.
Find out more about Château de Chambord, read our article here.
Leonardo da Vinci's impact and legacy
Influence on French art
Leonardo da Vinci left a significant mark on French art, despite his stay in France. in France short-lived. His presence at the court of François I was decisive in introducing the ideals of the Italian Renaissance to France. Renowned French artists such as Jean Clouet and Corneille de LyonHis techniques and artistic innovations have had a profound influence on their work.
In addition, the iconic architecture of the Loire châteaux, notably Chambord, bears the imprint of his genius, particularly in the innovative design of the double-revolution staircase.
Conservation and study of his work
On his death, Leonardo entrusted his manuscripts, sketchbooks and drawings to his disciple Francesco Melzi. These precious documents have been meticulously preserved and studied by subsequent generations, offering a window on the extent of his exceptional talent.
The Château du Clos Lucé, Leonardo's last home where he lived and worked, is now a museum dedicated to his life and work, offering a unique immersion in his research and creations.
Leonardo da Vinci in popular culture
Leonardo da Vinci remains a a source of inspiration and fascination for contemporary audiences. His reputation as a universal genius endures, and his name evokes groundbreaking inventions and discoveries. In popular culture, he is often portrayed as a charismatic, avant-garde figure, with films, books and exhibitions celebrating his multidisciplinary contributions to art, science and engineering.
The Parc Leonardo da Vinci in Amboise, featuring reproductions of his inventions, is a perfect example of how his legacy continues to be celebrated and shared with the general public.
Leonardo da Vinci's essential masterpieces
The Mona Lisa
Arguably the world's most famous work, the Mona Lisa intrigues with the young woman's mysterious smile. Her portrait, painted in oil on wood, is characterized by an unequalled realism and finesse of execution that testify to Leonardo's talent.
The Last Supper
This monumental fresco, created for the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent in Milan, depicts Christ's last supper with his apostles. The pyramidal composition, the play of light and shadow, and the facial expressions of the figures make this work a Renaissance masterpiece.
The Virgin of the Rocks
Leonardo da Vinci produced two versions of this composition, both characterized by a gentle, mystical atmosphere. The Virgin Mary, Baby Jesus, St. John the Baptist and an angel are depicted in a rocky landscape, creating a scene that is both intimate and grandiose.
The Lady in Ermine
This delicate portrait depicts a young woman holding a white ermine. The lady's gaze and the animal meet, creating an enigmatic atmosphere.
Da Vinci - A polymath artist
Beyond these major works, Leonardo da Vinci has left an indelible mark in many fields:
Drawings and anatomical studies
His notebooks are filled with drawings of human bodies, and studies of proportions and movements. These works revolutionized our understanding of anatomy.
Inventions
Leonardo da Vinci was a prolific inventor. His notebooks are full of sketches of flying machines, submarines, parachutes and other devices that were revolutionary for their time.
Lesser-known paintings
In addition to his most famous works, Leonardo da Vinci produced many other paintings, such as "Saint John the Baptist", "La Belle Ferronnière" and "The Vitruvian Man", which testify to the diversity of his talent.
Conclusion
Leonardo da Vinci, an emblematic figure of the Renaissance, left an indelible mark on the world of art, science and engineering. His time in France, albeit brief, had a significant impact on the court of Francis I, having a lasting influence on French art.
His contributions to painting, anatomy and engineering continue to inspire new generations. By visiting the Château du Clos Lucé and discovering his inventions and works, you will plunge into the world of Leonardo da Vinci's genius. His legacy remains an eloquent testament to the power of human curiosity and innovation.
FAQ
When and why did Leonardo da Vinci decide to settle in France?
In 1516, Leonardo da Vinci moved to France at the invitation of Francis I. At the age of 64, having lost the support of his patron Julien de Medici and seeing the Pope and his court favor the young artists Michelangelo and Raphael, he left Rome. He found refuge and recognition at the French court, where he settled at the Château du Clos-Lucé, near Amboise.
What status and treatment did Leonardo da Vinci receive from King Francis I in France?
In France, Leonardo da Vinci received an annual pension of seven hundred écus d'or from Francis I, who also paid him for the works he produced. He lived at Cloux, near Amboise, in a setting conducive to creativity and tranquility, devoting himself to various projects for the king.
Where and how did Leonardo da Vinci die in France?
Leonardo da Vinci died on May 2, 1519 in Amboise, Touraine, at the age of 67.. He resided at the Château du Clos Lucé, under the protection of François I. His death, due to illness, was far from the legendary account that depicts him dying in the arms of the king, who was in fact absent. He was buried in Amboise.
Who inherited Leonardo da Vinci's work after his death in France?
In his will drawn up on April 23, 1519, Leonardo da Vinci entrusted his manuscripts, sketchbooks and drawings to his devoted disciple, Francesco Melzi, thus ensuring the preservation of his artistic legacy.
